A man has been charged over the death of Esther Martin, who was killed by two XL Bully dogs in Essex earlier this year.
Ashley Warren, 40, has been charged in the first case of its kind since new laws on owning XL Bullies came into force this year, Essex Police said.
Esther Martin, 68, was attacked by two XL Bully dogs which belonged to Ashley Warren.
Now, Warren has been charged with:
- Two counts of owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death;
- Two counts of possession or having custody of a fighting dog;
- Two counts under the Animal Welfare Act;
- Possession of a bladed article;
- Possession of a Class B drug.
Before the fatal attack, Warren reportedly said: ‘don’t tell me what to do with my f***ing dogs’ in reference to the new legislation.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of dangerous dog offences after Esther was mauled to death by his two dogs in Jaywick, Essex, in February.
Warren will appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on August 22, in the first case to be charged since new laws involving XL Bullies came into effect earlier this year.
Esther had been visiting her 11-year-old grandson when she is said to have used a broom to distract the dogs’ six puppies that were fighting.
It’s believed the two adult dogs then turned on her.
Ms Martin was heard by neighbours screaming ‘Get off, get off’ as her grandson ran out onto the street to get help.
Police were called and arrived soon after, at around 4pm, but Ms Martin died at the scene.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver said: ‘A forensic post-mortem was also carried out by a veterinary scientist and through this combination it was confirmed that the dogs were XL Bullies.
‘A team of experienced detectives are continuing their investigation into Esther’s death and continue to make good progress. They are committed to getting the answers her family need about what happened and why.
‘Specially trained family liaison officers are also continuing to support them.’
One of Esther’s daughters, Sonia Martin, said her mother had previously told Warren that his dogs were dangerous.
She told Mail Online in February: ‘They were XL Bullies. There were eight of them in the house, six puppies and two adults. None of them neutered, not registered.
‘Mum had raised concerns about the dogs, over their breed and their temperament. Her grandson was in the house. He came running out shouting for help. We would like to thank all the neighbours who tried to help our mum.’
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